Bicycle Thefts
Bicycles and now electric bicycles (e-bikes) are a popular item that is stolen. Many of the bicycles were left unlocked making it easy for the thief to steal.
Many bicycles that were locked were secured by a cable lock that was easily cut with a bolt cutter. While inexpensive, these cable style locks offer little security and provide a false sense of protection. “U” shape locks offer better protection as they are more sturdy and more difficult to cut.
In almost all the bicycle/e-bike thefts, the victim did not know the serial number to their bicycle/e-bike, which made recovery difficult.
Remember that bicycles do not have license plates, so it is important to record the make, model, color, cost, and serial number.
Some residents have applied “AirTags” to help in the recovery of their bicycle/e-bike.
Here are some other tips to remember:
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Photograph your bicycle and note any special details or markings.
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Lock the wheels and frame together to a fixed, immovable object.
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Lock bicycles that are stored in detached garages or carports.
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Obtain a FREE bicycle license from the police department.
DEA Prescription Drug Take Back
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the South Pasadena Police Department will be partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency and participate in their “Prescriptions Drug Takeback” event from 10 AM to 2 PM in the courtyard of City Hall.
Residents can bring their unwanted or expired prescription medications for proper disposal.
Unused and expired prescription medication thrown in trashcans are dangerous. They can be retrieved and used, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse, or sold illegally. Drugs that are flushed down drains can contaminate water supplies.
Ralphs Market will again be supporting the event and collect syringes and provide information on prescription drugs.
The Crime Prevention Unit offers these FREE services
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Engravers to mark your property “Community Opportunity for Property Security (COPS) Program.”
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Home Inspection Surveys.
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Email alerts of crime bulletins and weekly crime summary.
If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Group or receive future copies of this newsletter, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit.
Theft from Vehicles
Previously, to charge a person with auto burglary the victim’s vehicle had to be locked. If the victim’s vehicle was left unlocked, then the thief could only be charged with a theft from unlocked vehicle.
However, the implantation of SB 905 eliminates the need for the “car door to be locked”, only to prove that a forcible entry was made. Now, all thefts from vehicles are classified as “theft from vehicles”.
Thus, the “auto burglary” classification on the crime map on the reverse page has been replaced with “theft from vehicle”.
Many residents continue to leave their car doors unlocked, making it easy for the thief to enter. We have seen surveillance videos where the thief walks down the street and pulls door handles to find an unlocked door. Once inside an unlocked vehicle, the thief will rummage through the interior and take anything of value. The thief will also access the trunk.
Losses have been small items such as loose change, sunglasses, clothes, vehicle registrations to expensive items like laptop computers, spare car keys, and wallets. Often once a wallet is stolen, the thief will immediately use the victim’s credit card to make a purchase.
If an item is in plain view and the doors are locked, the thief will smash the window to take it.
Remember to always lock doors and roll-up windows when away from your car and never leave valuables in plain view.
This newsletter is a publication by the South Pasadena Police Department, Crime Prevention Unit. Officer Richard Lee
South Pasadena Police Department, 1422 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 626-403-7270
Chief of Police – Brian Solinsky
